What Can I Do with an Online Degree From a Homeopathic School?

While many people who obtain degrees or certificates from online homeopathic schools are licensed medical doctors, individuals without medical school education do pursue homeopathic degrees. Homeopathic practitioners may work in clinics or run private practices. This article looks at homeopathic careers and education. Read on for further information.
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Homeopathic Practice Overview

Homeopathy is a type of holistic medicine that works on the principle of 'like heals like'. As a result, homeopaths treat patients by administering very small doses of natural substances intended to imitate the patient's malady. Homeopathic medicine falls under the category of holistic medicine because it considers the whole person in treatment and involves natural remedies, as opposed to synthetic drugs.

Careers in Homeopathic Medicine

If you have a degree in naturopathic medicine, you can run a private practice or work in a clinical setting with other health care practitioners. Homeopathic practitioners or physicians often have long appointments with patients, because homeopathic remedies vary based on the patient's genetic, physical, emotional and mental health. Homeopaths may spend over an hour finding out the details of a patient's health history. Prescriptions also vary based on body type. As a result, homeopathic practitioners often prescribe different remedies for patients who display the same symptoms.

Educational Pathways to Becoming a Homeopath

There a variety of online naturopathic and homeopathic academic options available, from certificates to master's degrees. Before enrolling in a program, make sure the school you choose is properly accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council or another agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Degree Program in Naturopathic Medicine

Fully online degree programs in homeopathy in the United States are virtually non-existent, and even on-campus programs are extremely rare. You might consider naturopathic medicine and earning an N.D. (naturopathic doctor) degree. While the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) accredits seven institutes of higher learning throughout the U. S. and Canada, it does not accredit any schools that offer online programs.

Certificate Programs in Homeopathy

Another option is to obtain a certificate in homeopathy. While this pathway may give you further information and skills in homeopathic practice, it is not intended to be a substitute for formal educational degrees or professional credentials. Such programs might cover topics such as nutrition, anatomy, physiology and homeopathic consulting.

Homeopathic Licensing

You must check the licensure laws for your state. Laws regarding educational requirements and the practice of homeopathic medicine vary from state to state. Homeopathic practitioners are generally expected to hold medical degrees in naturopathy or osteopathic medicine. Depending upon the state, homeopathic medicine regulation may be included in a larger area of health care, such as physical therapy, chiropractic, nursing or dentistry.

Many states do not require an individual to have a license to practice homeopathy or other complementary and alternative medicines. However, residents of Arizona, Nevada and Connecticut must be medical doctors or doctors of osteopathy before becoming licensed as homeopathic physicians, according to the National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov).

Certification

While homeopathy certification is not yet formally recognized by the U. S. Department of Education, you can obtain a national certification from some professional organizations, such as the American Board of Homeotherapeutics, the Council for Homeopathic Certification and the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians. Certification is used as a benchmark for ensuring that you have achieved a minimum level of educational and practical competency.